Happy Memorial Day Weekend. This is usually a camping weekend for the Stylski's. Last year we went to the NC mountains, camped and ziplined. Great fun; lots of work for me. We had to take our tent down in the rain and have a few broken poles. Still haven't ordered replacements. Decided to stay home this long weekend. Ahhhh, a "staycation". I've been looking forward to it all week.
So my 3 teenagers and I will be at the same pool where I'm sure they will be avoiding me like the plague. They can run, but they can't hide. I still have a few tricks up my sleeve. I love doing diving board acrobatics. Since I've given up the keratin (hair straightening) process, I can totally indulge in embarrassing my children with acting like a child myself. I might even try the cannonball where you see if you can splash the lifeguard.
It's okay to let the inner child out every once in a while. It makes you feel young and silly. This weekend is definitely about enjoying life and setting aside a moment to appreciate those who lost their lives to ensure that we can live a beautiful one. Thank you to all our veterans. Join me in giving thanks and living life to the fullest!
Friday, May 27, 2011
Wednesday, May 25, 2011
Nice Guys Do Finish First ...and Second
I'm not sure who's going to win tonight on American Idol's Grand Finale, but I do know this, I'm proud to say that I live in the same state as Scotty McCreary. What a seemingly nice teenage boy! And Lauren Alaina seems pretty stand up herself. They both seem humble about their amazing singing talent and never talked back to the judges. Hello, Randy Jackson, J Lo, and Steve Tyler! Whether you like them or not they all have had very successful careers in the music business. They should be revered as authorities.
My boys thought Hayley was hot! Hot maybe, but she definitely had some sass to her. They had to bleep out some of her expletives at times. I didn't like her attitude. She wasn't humble. She looked angry and sort of flippant if someone tried to give her criticism. All in all, I found her a good example of what I don't like in some kids; their total lack of respect for adult authority.
Let's talk Dancing With The Stars too! Hines Ward won last night. He seems like a stand up guy. What a great dancer he turned out to be and so respectful at all times. He took the competition seriously, was good at it and had a good time. Seems like good role modeling to me. Kirstie Alley came in second and Chelsea Kane came in third. I think that got reversed, but doesn't really matter in the end. They all worked hard and performed well.
I haven't got to watch my DVR'd Biggest Loser. Can't wait. What an amazing transformation that is ....what dedication and perseverance. I find that show inspiring. Three ladies lost 100 lbs. each. They worked hard and it paid off.
This all brings me to "Spring Training". What a roller coaster for me. I'm doing really well with work outs right now and have given up cocktails completely (8 days straight). I started journaling for real on Monday. Journaling is amazing if you haven't tried it. The first meal out of the gate, I found out that I was having 2x the calories I originally thought just buy reading the label. I was going for the 2 packs of Irish Oatmeal on purpose because they were only 100 calories each. Looked at the front of the container of the Almond milk and it said 90 calories per serving. Assumed wrongly that meant 8 oz. When I looked at the real label information it was only 4 oz. Good example of how we don't realize calories we take it and checking portion sizes etc is always a good idea.
"Spring Training" is about to turn into "Summer Training". Hope you are putting your best foot forward. In the words of Randy Jackson, American Idol judge, "I'm in it to win it"; join me!
PS: I do think Lauren was a little better last night, but thought the judges kind of came out of the blue pushing her to win. Scotty was better all season long. That's just my opinion!
My boys thought Hayley was hot! Hot maybe, but she definitely had some sass to her. They had to bleep out some of her expletives at times. I didn't like her attitude. She wasn't humble. She looked angry and sort of flippant if someone tried to give her criticism. All in all, I found her a good example of what I don't like in some kids; their total lack of respect for adult authority.
Let's talk Dancing With The Stars too! Hines Ward won last night. He seems like a stand up guy. What a great dancer he turned out to be and so respectful at all times. He took the competition seriously, was good at it and had a good time. Seems like good role modeling to me. Kirstie Alley came in second and Chelsea Kane came in third. I think that got reversed, but doesn't really matter in the end. They all worked hard and performed well.
I haven't got to watch my DVR'd Biggest Loser. Can't wait. What an amazing transformation that is ....what dedication and perseverance. I find that show inspiring. Three ladies lost 100 lbs. each. They worked hard and it paid off.
This all brings me to "Spring Training". What a roller coaster for me. I'm doing really well with work outs right now and have given up cocktails completely (8 days straight). I started journaling for real on Monday. Journaling is amazing if you haven't tried it. The first meal out of the gate, I found out that I was having 2x the calories I originally thought just buy reading the label. I was going for the 2 packs of Irish Oatmeal on purpose because they were only 100 calories each. Looked at the front of the container of the Almond milk and it said 90 calories per serving. Assumed wrongly that meant 8 oz. When I looked at the real label information it was only 4 oz. Good example of how we don't realize calories we take it and checking portion sizes etc is always a good idea.
"Spring Training" is about to turn into "Summer Training". Hope you are putting your best foot forward. In the words of Randy Jackson, American Idol judge, "I'm in it to win it"; join me!
PS: I do think Lauren was a little better last night, but thought the judges kind of came out of the blue pushing her to win. Scotty was better all season long. That's just my opinion!
Saturday, May 21, 2011
"Ladies Only"
I wish I had seen the sign "Ladies Only" yesterday at http://www.trianglesalon.com/ Chandni's Spa and Salon. Now, I have been going there for a few years since a friend recommended trying "eyebrow threading". Eyebrow threading is awesome! I love it. Eyebrow threading is only $7. It doesn't last quite as long as waxing. I don't think it's painful; it feels weird. The good news, it doesn't pull your eye skin which can stretch over time and leave you with saggy eyelids; total bonus. These ladies know what they are doing. If you haven't tried it; grab a girlfriend and try it!
Well, let me say they also offer waxing services (not for eyebrows). You know summer waxing needs....So, I had my 13 year old at the ENT Doctor yesterday for his snoring. Turns out his tonsils are too big. Sometime soon, he's going to have them out. The Dr and I were laughing about how guys all snore eventually anyway and at least my son's future wife wouldn't be living in a fantasy world if he snored right off the bat. So as previously discussed; teenager/parent relationships are all about a lot of ying and yang. I say, "Nolan, I need to run a little errand and there's a bakery right next door you could get a cookie or something". He has a little hissy and demands to know what I'm up to. I acquiesce and tell him about hitting the pool this weekend and a little something I need to take care of. He thought it was great that I had given full disclosure. Me, I'm not so sure. Sure enough, he hung out in Chandni's with a funny little smirk on his face eating his scoop of ice cream (Mexican Bakery moved closer to DMV in Cary; fyi).
I come out to reception area (using that phrase very loosely) post waxing. There's a lady checking out that repeatedly asks the owner, "isn't there a "Ladies Only" sign somewhere here?" Really!?? I have to say, I never noticed it; but sure enough big as life on the outside of the big picture window it reads loud and clear, "Ladies Only". My 13 year old boys giggles. He thought the whole thing was very enlightening. Well, it's good to bond over life's little things right? Okay, I won't do it again.
The end purpose of this story is to say if you haven't tried "threading"; do it; very fun. And if you are thinking about a bathing suit anytime soon; take a good look in the mirror first. There's really nothing worse than someone who forgot to pay attention to that little summer beauty necessity (well, for them not necessarily for me). I know all my young friends are saying, "I got laser hair removal". Great for you. If I was younger, I would to. Join me on getting ready for summer; it's right around the corner!!
Well, let me say they also offer waxing services (not for eyebrows). You know summer waxing needs....So, I had my 13 year old at the ENT Doctor yesterday for his snoring. Turns out his tonsils are too big. Sometime soon, he's going to have them out. The Dr and I were laughing about how guys all snore eventually anyway and at least my son's future wife wouldn't be living in a fantasy world if he snored right off the bat. So as previously discussed; teenager/parent relationships are all about a lot of ying and yang. I say, "Nolan, I need to run a little errand and there's a bakery right next door you could get a cookie or something". He has a little hissy and demands to know what I'm up to. I acquiesce and tell him about hitting the pool this weekend and a little something I need to take care of. He thought it was great that I had given full disclosure. Me, I'm not so sure. Sure enough, he hung out in Chandni's with a funny little smirk on his face eating his scoop of ice cream (Mexican Bakery moved closer to DMV in Cary; fyi).
I come out to reception area (using that phrase very loosely) post waxing. There's a lady checking out that repeatedly asks the owner, "isn't there a "Ladies Only" sign somewhere here?" Really!?? I have to say, I never noticed it; but sure enough big as life on the outside of the big picture window it reads loud and clear, "Ladies Only". My 13 year old boys giggles. He thought the whole thing was very enlightening. Well, it's good to bond over life's little things right? Okay, I won't do it again.
The end purpose of this story is to say if you haven't tried "threading"; do it; very fun. And if you are thinking about a bathing suit anytime soon; take a good look in the mirror first. There's really nothing worse than someone who forgot to pay attention to that little summer beauty necessity (well, for them not necessarily for me). I know all my young friends are saying, "I got laser hair removal". Great for you. If I was younger, I would to. Join me on getting ready for summer; it's right around the corner!!
Thursday, May 19, 2011
Just Be Happy!
As you all probably know or may of guessed, I'm a stay at home mom. This job has served me well. I'm very lucky. But do I think it was the right decision, the only decision, the best decision?...I wish I knew and there's a different answer for each of those questions. The conflict between working moms and non working moms seems so silly to me. It stems from jealousy and it goes both ways. Why can't we just all get a long and figure out the best way to be happy and healthy for ourselves and our families. The grass just always looks greener....
Ah, my working days....how I long for them now on a boring day. And then, I hear the voice of the working girl, "boring day, I wish". Yea, yea...and the fight goes on. I'm trying different career ideas out. I feel like it's so hard to be honest with how I feel about my life because anything I say will be considered whining. I'm not whining. I save that for body aches and muscle pulls. I'm just introspective. I'm thinking about what advice I want to give my daughter later in life. As a see it today, this is my advice for her....keep your hand in something that you're passionate about and keep a positive attitude. There's no right or wrong decision. No decision has to be permanent (unless you don't use birth control and then...that's another blog for a different day).
So working ladies let me clue you in to what I'm green with envy about...you make money which gives you power, independence and a voice. Wow, that is really personal for me to say, but it's really how I see it. Anything else that I come up with I can shoot down myself. Lot's of times, I'll have dreamt of lunches, meetings with professional people, fun work trips and then it gets shut down by "I work with idiots, I don't get a lunch, nothing was accomplished in today's 3 hour meeting," and that ruins my image completely. Again, it's about living in reality and not getting caught up in the fantasy of something.
So yes, today I'm going to work out, go grocery shopping, make beds, do some wash, make dinner, love up my family and be freakin happy with what I have and not think about what I could/would/should have; join me!!
Ah, my working days....how I long for them now on a boring day. And then, I hear the voice of the working girl, "boring day, I wish". Yea, yea...and the fight goes on. I'm trying different career ideas out. I feel like it's so hard to be honest with how I feel about my life because anything I say will be considered whining. I'm not whining. I save that for body aches and muscle pulls. I'm just introspective. I'm thinking about what advice I want to give my daughter later in life. As a see it today, this is my advice for her....keep your hand in something that you're passionate about and keep a positive attitude. There's no right or wrong decision. No decision has to be permanent (unless you don't use birth control and then...that's another blog for a different day).
So working ladies let me clue you in to what I'm green with envy about...you make money which gives you power, independence and a voice. Wow, that is really personal for me to say, but it's really how I see it. Anything else that I come up with I can shoot down myself. Lot's of times, I'll have dreamt of lunches, meetings with professional people, fun work trips and then it gets shut down by "I work with idiots, I don't get a lunch, nothing was accomplished in today's 3 hour meeting," and that ruins my image completely. Again, it's about living in reality and not getting caught up in the fantasy of something.
So yes, today I'm going to work out, go grocery shopping, make beds, do some wash, make dinner, love up my family and be freakin happy with what I have and not think about what I could/would/should have; join me!!
Wednesday, May 18, 2011
My Best Beauty Bets
I love beauty products. I was so excited when my "InStyle" 150 Best Beauty Buys issue showed up at my house recently. I have a friend who worked in the business who swears it's all fixed. She swears there's a salesperson who's responsible for selling a beauty product who wines and dines the "InStyle" Beauty Editor and bing; the product is published as the best beauty product. I can't believe it. Say it ain't so........
One of my 3 sisters is a "hair stylist"; I think that's the politically correct professional label these days. I'm so jealous of her talent and ability to work in the beauty business every day. We've always been beauty product junkies. My mom wouldn't let us use drugstore make up. When we were old enough to wear make up, my mom took us to the Clinique counter for a makeover. Now, let's be honest, I was sneaking this beautiful Robin's Egg Blue Maybelline eye shadow for a while until I got caught forgetting to wash it off before I got home. I can vividly remember borrowing it from a friend and applying in Home Economics class. The Clinique 3 Step cleaning was great then and their "Black Honey" lip gloss is still a classic favorite. I took my daughter to the Clinique counter just for tradition when she turned 13. She really wasn't impressed. "Mac" is cooler or really she's happy playing in the drugstore and since it's my wallet now, I say there's a lot of great and less expensive cosmetics in Walgreens!
My two favorite beauty places in Cary are these: I bought a http://www.livingsocial.com/ deal for a LED treatment at http://www.bloomskinspa.com/. Love this place and the line of products they use, "Eminence" is awesome! I'm not sure about the affects of the LED treatments, but I got a good deal and I have a few more treatments to go so we'll see. My other favorite beauty stop is http://www.tsiskin.com/. This is more of a clinical beauty stop, but they can do almost anything; Chemical Peels, Blue Light, Laser, Skin Cancer checks, Botox, etc. My teenagers even love it here because they have great Acne treatments that work!! I promise you won't be disappointed in either of these places.
As far as beauty products go, I do have a few personal faves that I can't help but rave about -
Face Skin Care - Obagi is the best treatment line. I'm enjoying "Eminence" http://www.eminenceorganics.com/ right now which is organic, natural, very mild and soothing. Honestly, cost wise, you can't go wrong with Cetaphil (available everywhere). I've never noticed any big difference between eye creams, face creams so have it. Unless, they're Obagi or prescription I think they just make us feel good.
Sun Care - Love "Banana Boat Baby Tear Free spf 50, Won't Sting Eyes, Hypoallergenic and Waterproof". This stuff is awesome. I can run, play tennis etc and it doesn't run in my contacts and make my vision blurry.
Skin Care - Any skin care would be good if I actually used it. I don't know about you guys, but I don't typically sit around spreading lotion on my body but.....my sister Megan turned me onto "Sephora's Extra Butter Body Lotion" and it is the bomb!! Love Bath and Body for body washes etc. but don't notice a big difference in line of body washes and scrubs.
Shampoo - curly haired friends check out http://www.devaconcepts.com/ (life changing). Kerastase is great; I agree with "In Style" here.
Gray Roots - http://www.clairol.com/niceneasy/roottouchup/index.jsp Go to between color appointments. Just found Rita Hazan spray to cover grays; http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P282611 awesome!
Make up - it's all fun! My recommendation: go with a friend for lunch and have a make over at any counter. So fun!! I do love Dior mascara.
Perfume - anything http://www.jomalone.com/ so yummy!
As far as the "In Style" Best Beauty Buys issue; I'm convinced that Jennifer Aniston and I have so much in common. Her beauty faves for "light" skin are right on and I'm enjoying a few new beauty purchases thanks to her suggestions. Silly- maybe; but fun; absolutely - it's never to late to teach and old dog new tricks right? So if you've used the same lipstick for years; it's time to get out and get a new one. And the good news is even if you're not feeling your slimmest; you can always find a lipstick that fits perfect; join me!
One of my 3 sisters is a "hair stylist"; I think that's the politically correct professional label these days. I'm so jealous of her talent and ability to work in the beauty business every day. We've always been beauty product junkies. My mom wouldn't let us use drugstore make up. When we were old enough to wear make up, my mom took us to the Clinique counter for a makeover. Now, let's be honest, I was sneaking this beautiful Robin's Egg Blue Maybelline eye shadow for a while until I got caught forgetting to wash it off before I got home. I can vividly remember borrowing it from a friend and applying in Home Economics class. The Clinique 3 Step cleaning was great then and their "Black Honey" lip gloss is still a classic favorite. I took my daughter to the Clinique counter just for tradition when she turned 13. She really wasn't impressed. "Mac" is cooler or really she's happy playing in the drugstore and since it's my wallet now, I say there's a lot of great and less expensive cosmetics in Walgreens!
My two favorite beauty places in Cary are these: I bought a http://www.livingsocial.com/ deal for a LED treatment at http://www.bloomskinspa.com/. Love this place and the line of products they use, "Eminence" is awesome! I'm not sure about the affects of the LED treatments, but I got a good deal and I have a few more treatments to go so we'll see. My other favorite beauty stop is http://www.tsiskin.com/. This is more of a clinical beauty stop, but they can do almost anything; Chemical Peels, Blue Light, Laser, Skin Cancer checks, Botox, etc. My teenagers even love it here because they have great Acne treatments that work!! I promise you won't be disappointed in either of these places.
As far as beauty products go, I do have a few personal faves that I can't help but rave about -
Face Skin Care - Obagi is the best treatment line. I'm enjoying "Eminence" http://www.eminenceorganics.com/ right now which is organic, natural, very mild and soothing. Honestly, cost wise, you can't go wrong with Cetaphil (available everywhere). I've never noticed any big difference between eye creams, face creams so have it. Unless, they're Obagi or prescription I think they just make us feel good.
Sun Care - Love "Banana Boat Baby Tear Free spf 50, Won't Sting Eyes, Hypoallergenic and Waterproof". This stuff is awesome. I can run, play tennis etc and it doesn't run in my contacts and make my vision blurry.
Skin Care - Any skin care would be good if I actually used it. I don't know about you guys, but I don't typically sit around spreading lotion on my body but.....my sister Megan turned me onto "Sephora's Extra Butter Body Lotion" and it is the bomb!! Love Bath and Body for body washes etc. but don't notice a big difference in line of body washes and scrubs.
Shampoo - curly haired friends check out http://www.devaconcepts.com/ (life changing). Kerastase is great; I agree with "In Style" here.
Gray Roots - http://www.clairol.com/niceneasy/roottouchup/index.jsp Go to between color appointments. Just found Rita Hazan spray to cover grays; http://www.sephora.com/browse/product.jhtml?id=P282611 awesome!
Make up - it's all fun! My recommendation: go with a friend for lunch and have a make over at any counter. So fun!! I do love Dior mascara.
Perfume - anything http://www.jomalone.com/ so yummy!
As far as the "In Style" Best Beauty Buys issue; I'm convinced that Jennifer Aniston and I have so much in common. Her beauty faves for "light" skin are right on and I'm enjoying a few new beauty purchases thanks to her suggestions. Silly- maybe; but fun; absolutely - it's never to late to teach and old dog new tricks right? So if you've used the same lipstick for years; it's time to get out and get a new one. And the good news is even if you're not feeling your slimmest; you can always find a lipstick that fits perfect; join me!
Wednesday, May 11, 2011
Checking In
How is it going? Have you made any positive changes in your "Spring Training" lifestyle? How do you feel? Your friends want to know. Talk about it! Saying aloud how you physically feel and what you are doing helps your thoughts crystalize and you gain other people's valuable perspective. I really believe that. Stay connected!!
I have really been trying to make some eating changes. I read a bunch of books on healthy eating and exercise in the past week. Love Jackie Warner's, "This Is Why You're Fat (And How To Get Thin Forever)". I know I'm not fat, but this book has a lot of good information in it. For now, I'm taking away that I need to have a cup of oatmeal, 2 eggs, a Whey Protein shake, 2 servings of fruit and lots of veggies everyday. This is easy, simple and not expensive and as my tennis partner said yesterday, "if I ate all that I wouldn't need to eat anything else all day". I think that is the point. I definitely have noticed a huge difference in my appetite after a bowl of oatmeal. I am satisfied and it last a long time. The total epiphany for me is the great thing about serving healthy food is you don't have to worry so much about portion control. Last night, I made the biggest salad from my produce box http://www.theproducebox.com/ . It takes so much chewing to get through a big salad, it really is very satisfying!!
Took my 15 year old daughter and two friends to see Plain White T's last night at Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh. She is not going to be pretty this morning since we didn't get home until midnight. I wouldn't normally do a concert on a school night, but is was something that we both wanted to do together. I figure there won't be a million of those opportunities with a teenager; so I siezed the moment. Ahhhh "sieze the moment". Don't you love that expression? Let's sieze today; I'm starting my food journal (over for the 10th time); join me!!
I have really been trying to make some eating changes. I read a bunch of books on healthy eating and exercise in the past week. Love Jackie Warner's, "This Is Why You're Fat (And How To Get Thin Forever)". I know I'm not fat, but this book has a lot of good information in it. For now, I'm taking away that I need to have a cup of oatmeal, 2 eggs, a Whey Protein shake, 2 servings of fruit and lots of veggies everyday. This is easy, simple and not expensive and as my tennis partner said yesterday, "if I ate all that I wouldn't need to eat anything else all day". I think that is the point. I definitely have noticed a huge difference in my appetite after a bowl of oatmeal. I am satisfied and it last a long time. The total epiphany for me is the great thing about serving healthy food is you don't have to worry so much about portion control. Last night, I made the biggest salad from my produce box http://www.theproducebox.com/ . It takes so much chewing to get through a big salad, it really is very satisfying!!
Took my 15 year old daughter and two friends to see Plain White T's last night at Lincoln Theatre in Raleigh. She is not going to be pretty this morning since we didn't get home until midnight. I wouldn't normally do a concert on a school night, but is was something that we both wanted to do together. I figure there won't be a million of those opportunities with a teenager; so I siezed the moment. Ahhhh "sieze the moment". Don't you love that expression? Let's sieze today; I'm starting my food journal (over for the 10th time); join me!!
Tuesday, May 10, 2011
Me and my car
I'm not a good driver. There - they say the first step to acceptance and solution is to admit the problem. It may be genetic though....
My daughter is in the process of getting her permit. She's taken Driver's Education at school. She studied for her Learner's Permit. She wants to start practicing driving. I think I want to throw up. I know I can't be the one to help her. I am very clear on my strengths and weaknesses. I'm stalling her, but I know her driving is inevitable. We spent 3 hours in DMV yesterday. She failed her first attempt at the permit test. I was giddy. She was sad. So goes the ying and yang of parent/teenager life.
I love my car and can't imagine a new one. It was used when I got it. It now has over 170,000. I can't see buying a new car with no dings; especially with 3 teenagers. Dings give my car character. I never believed you are what you drive. Maybe in my case I am. Maybe we all are. I've got a few dings. They make us interesting. It's rough having a back seat driver. It's either a muzzle or I need to work on my driving skills and be a better driving role model for my future driver; join me!
My daughter is in the process of getting her permit. She's taken Driver's Education at school. She studied for her Learner's Permit. She wants to start practicing driving. I think I want to throw up. I know I can't be the one to help her. I am very clear on my strengths and weaknesses. I'm stalling her, but I know her driving is inevitable. We spent 3 hours in DMV yesterday. She failed her first attempt at the permit test. I was giddy. She was sad. So goes the ying and yang of parent/teenager life.
I love my car and can't imagine a new one. It was used when I got it. It now has over 170,000. I can't see buying a new car with no dings; especially with 3 teenagers. Dings give my car character. I never believed you are what you drive. Maybe in my case I am. Maybe we all are. I've got a few dings. They make us interesting. It's rough having a back seat driver. It's either a muzzle or I need to work on my driving skills and be a better driving role model for my future driver; join me!
Wednesday, May 4, 2011
The Rain Is Music To My Ears
Every year, in the spring I get excited about planting. The trouble is holding onto that excitement after months of daily watering. I woke up to the sound of rain this morning. It was music to my ears.
This weekend, I went out with my daughter and spent my annual $100 on plants and flowers (followed up by a little more at a different location). My family thinks that this is a huge waste. They call me "brown thumb". In my defense, if you have ever dealt with trying to grow things in this Carolina clay, not dirt, you can commiserate with my, in general, lack of success.
When the kids were really little, I was very ambitious and actually built my own garden in the back of the house with official wood borders and the requisite marigolds to supposedly ward off the bunnies. We would have to carry buckets of water because the hose didn't reach the garden. I definitely learned my lesson. Anything planted in the ground needs easy access to water without the need for child labor. I have to say it must have been a mild summer because that garden was relatively successful in that plants did live and what lived was enjoyed immensely by the bunnies.
The problem with flowers for me is the watering needs when you go out of town which in the summer months tends to be relatively often. One day of no water in July in North Carolina and most likely your plants are toast. It's really an imposition to ask someone to water your flowers daily. I guess the answer would be to pay, I could probably get a volunteer that way.
So this year, I cheated a little. I bought pots and stuck them in my pots. I figure I could then transport them to someone's house to be watered. But what about my beautiful herb/vegetable garden? It's so pretty and full of life right now. I put really good dirt in there this year (including a little manure per my dad's recommendation). I have such good intentions. My mom says, a thriving rosemary bush means the lady is the Queen of the house. I don't know about that but that's the only thing that has survived for years in my garden.
So today I'll take a break from watering and admire my handiwork and hope that I'm enjoying a fresh tomato salad in August that's from my little garden. I really don't know if you should join me....
This weekend, I went out with my daughter and spent my annual $100 on plants and flowers (followed up by a little more at a different location). My family thinks that this is a huge waste. They call me "brown thumb". In my defense, if you have ever dealt with trying to grow things in this Carolina clay, not dirt, you can commiserate with my, in general, lack of success.
When the kids were really little, I was very ambitious and actually built my own garden in the back of the house with official wood borders and the requisite marigolds to supposedly ward off the bunnies. We would have to carry buckets of water because the hose didn't reach the garden. I definitely learned my lesson. Anything planted in the ground needs easy access to water without the need for child labor. I have to say it must have been a mild summer because that garden was relatively successful in that plants did live and what lived was enjoyed immensely by the bunnies.
The problem with flowers for me is the watering needs when you go out of town which in the summer months tends to be relatively often. One day of no water in July in North Carolina and most likely your plants are toast. It's really an imposition to ask someone to water your flowers daily. I guess the answer would be to pay, I could probably get a volunteer that way.
So this year, I cheated a little. I bought pots and stuck them in my pots. I figure I could then transport them to someone's house to be watered. But what about my beautiful herb/vegetable garden? It's so pretty and full of life right now. I put really good dirt in there this year (including a little manure per my dad's recommendation). I have such good intentions. My mom says, a thriving rosemary bush means the lady is the Queen of the house. I don't know about that but that's the only thing that has survived for years in my garden.
So today I'll take a break from watering and admire my handiwork and hope that I'm enjoying a fresh tomato salad in August that's from my little garden. I really don't know if you should join me....
Monday, May 2, 2011
The Triathlon Story
Saturday was the day of my first Triathlon. Great day; loved it! I'll start off by admitting I was lost trying to find Tri location. Keep in mind this is at 6:15 am. If you know me well, you know that I'm directionally challenged. I had directions from Google Maps. On the way, I decided I didn't like their directions and started going my own way. Pulled over at first gas station when I felt like I was close and they gave me directions to similarly named athletic club, but not correct one; whoops! After arriving there and deciding that wasn't the right place went into second gas station. Got great directions (from 2 old country boys). These new directions didn't have street names for the most part and included going down a unnamed dirt road. I past a few deer and saw the sunrise. It was a beautiful car ride and finally arrived where I was supposed to be my typical 10 minutes late.
Great idea to sign up for Triathlon with 25 year old fitness instructor and friend. Worst idea ever: putting the same expected swim time as 25 year old fitness instructor. They put you in numerical order based on estimated swim time. I was number 46 out of 257. Privately, in my head, I was in total panic mode. We had not swam in 6 weeks due to pool fiasco and other assorted reasons. I knew I had planned to just muscle my way through, but hadn't anticipated 200 people watching me breast stroke (aka doggy paddle, aka jog, aka basically just try to not drown). I couldn't breath after the first 2 laps. Really - I just couldn't catch my breath. Funny, I only got passed by number 47 (Liz, a professional Tri lady) and number 48 (a 36 year old male). My Tri buddy and I looked cute though because we were the only girls in swim suits (that's what I'm telling myself). Everyone else had on swim wear that you could bike and run in. Getting out of the pool was hilarious. I couldn't feel my legs. Did a very precarious fast walk to bike area. Had previously stated that the biking would be like "taking a walk in the park". I'm eating those words. I had only biked twice to train, but both times were a 25 mile course and I faired pretty well. This was only 14 miles, so I thought it would be a piece of cake. I enjoyed the bike part the best but saying it was easy is silly. One of the ladies (say number 67), tried to pass me on the bike ride. I'm sure she was thinking to herself, surely I can beat "doggy paddler". She was only a head of me for a little. After her husband and children cheered her on, I decided, "doggy paddler", was going to make her move. Getting off the bike to run is interesting. Again, your legs feel like jello, but you're so happy to be in the final stage. You know at this point you're going to make it. Running is my favorite thing to do, but this was the hardest 5k I've ever run. One foot in front of the other is what I kept telling myself. I refused to walk. I made it. I had a 33 year old tell me "she hopes she can kick ass like me when she's my age". That was a little hard to take. I didn't think I was that much older. Jeez. Having your age on your calf seems harsh at first. But since I beat that 33 year old, I'm okay with it now.
So good news - you can participate in Tri's as a relay team. You can even have fun names. My Tri buddy has a buddy who only wants to swim. She's 26. This could be the answer to my prayers. I've already named us, "The Kitten and The Cougar".
In the long run, we finished. My buddy got 3rd for her age group (awesome)! I finished 9 out of 12 for my age group and 158 out of 257. I feel really good about that. The 40-44 and 45-49 ladies competition was fierce.
There is nothing better than spending a beautiful day in an athletic competition. That is my opinion. I can't wait to do more. I'm doing the Race for the Cure in June with my daughter. Signed up for the Philadelphia half marathon in September. If all goes well, should be in the Cary City Ladies 4.0 Tennis playoffs in 2 weeks. I'm having fun. I felt great in my skinny jeans on Saturday night, another total bonus. This week, I'm going to enjoy this beautiful Spring weather and get some great workouts in. Have really been doing well cooking and eating healthier. I feel good; join me!!
BTW: My few pictures are on a Walgreens disk that is giving me huge fits on editing. I can't deal with it anymore so sorry for the boring pic and sideways one. I'll keep working on it!
Great idea to sign up for Triathlon with 25 year old fitness instructor and friend. Worst idea ever: putting the same expected swim time as 25 year old fitness instructor. They put you in numerical order based on estimated swim time. I was number 46 out of 257. Privately, in my head, I was in total panic mode. We had not swam in 6 weeks due to pool fiasco and other assorted reasons. I knew I had planned to just muscle my way through, but hadn't anticipated 200 people watching me breast stroke (aka doggy paddle, aka jog, aka basically just try to not drown). I couldn't breath after the first 2 laps. Really - I just couldn't catch my breath. Funny, I only got passed by number 47 (Liz, a professional Tri lady) and number 48 (a 36 year old male). My Tri buddy and I looked cute though because we were the only girls in swim suits (that's what I'm telling myself). Everyone else had on swim wear that you could bike and run in. Getting out of the pool was hilarious. I couldn't feel my legs. Did a very precarious fast walk to bike area. Had previously stated that the biking would be like "taking a walk in the park". I'm eating those words. I had only biked twice to train, but both times were a 25 mile course and I faired pretty well. This was only 14 miles, so I thought it would be a piece of cake. I enjoyed the bike part the best but saying it was easy is silly. One of the ladies (say number 67), tried to pass me on the bike ride. I'm sure she was thinking to herself, surely I can beat "doggy paddler". She was only a head of me for a little. After her husband and children cheered her on, I decided, "doggy paddler", was going to make her move. Getting off the bike to run is interesting. Again, your legs feel like jello, but you're so happy to be in the final stage. You know at this point you're going to make it. Running is my favorite thing to do, but this was the hardest 5k I've ever run. One foot in front of the other is what I kept telling myself. I refused to walk. I made it. I had a 33 year old tell me "she hopes she can kick ass like me when she's my age". That was a little hard to take. I didn't think I was that much older. Jeez. Having your age on your calf seems harsh at first. But since I beat that 33 year old, I'm okay with it now.
So good news - you can participate in Tri's as a relay team. You can even have fun names. My Tri buddy has a buddy who only wants to swim. She's 26. This could be the answer to my prayers. I've already named us, "The Kitten and The Cougar".
In the long run, we finished. My buddy got 3rd for her age group (awesome)! I finished 9 out of 12 for my age group and 158 out of 257. I feel really good about that. The 40-44 and 45-49 ladies competition was fierce.
There is nothing better than spending a beautiful day in an athletic competition. That is my opinion. I can't wait to do more. I'm doing the Race for the Cure in June with my daughter. Signed up for the Philadelphia half marathon in September. If all goes well, should be in the Cary City Ladies 4.0 Tennis playoffs in 2 weeks. I'm having fun. I felt great in my skinny jeans on Saturday night, another total bonus. This week, I'm going to enjoy this beautiful Spring weather and get some great workouts in. Have really been doing well cooking and eating healthier. I feel good; join me!!
BTW: My few pictures are on a Walgreens disk that is giving me huge fits on editing. I can't deal with it anymore so sorry for the boring pic and sideways one. I'll keep working on it!
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